Spiny Holdback (Caesalpinia spinosa)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Found in South America, Spiny Holdback, Caesalpinia spinosa, is a spiny, evergreen tree up to 8m tall and 5 m wide. It has an erect and slender trunk and it is rich in tannins. Seedpods yield a powder that is used as eyewash. The seed?s endosperm is a source of gum used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in food. Common names: Spiny Holdback, Tailin, Vainilla, Tallo, Tara.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The endosperm of the seed (22% of the total seed weight) yields a gum of commercial value. It is a white to yellowish powder and consists chiefly of galactomannan-type polysaccharides. — The endosperm of the seed (22% of the total seed weight) yields a gum of commercial value.; It is a white to yellowish powder and consists chiefly of galactomannan-type polysaccharides.; The gum is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in the food industry.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests and semi desert areas of the Interandine region, along the higher, cooler, inner slopes of both Cordilleras of Ecuador. (Zone 9)